Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health concern, with Hispanics being 1.3 times more likely to progress to kidney failure¹ and 3.3 times less likely to receive a kidney from a living donor compared to White populations². This disparity underscores the urgent need to address healthcare inequities in kidney transplantation.

CKD rates are rising significantly, particularly among Hispanic populations. CKD often progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is the final stage of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation for survival. Targeted awareness campaigns are crucial to addressing these disparities and preventing further progression to ESRD.

Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) may offer better outcomes and shorter wait times than deceased donor transplantation, making it a vital option to help improve transplantation access for Hispanic patients.

¹ Ashrafi, Sadia Anjum, Rifat Binte Alam, Alicia Kraay, Babatope Ayokunle Ogunjesa, and Andiara Schwingel.
“Disparities in Healthcare Access Experienced by Hispanic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.”
Journal of health, population, and nutrition, January 31, 2024.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10832131.

² Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. National data. Available from:
https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/data/view-datareports/national-data/

• High-risk groups—such as individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney failure—should be regularly screened for CKD. Early detection is essential for preventing or managing the disease.
• The risk of CKD may be reduced or managed by controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
• Flu vaccination is especially important for CKD patients, as they face a higher risk of severe flu-related complications.